If you’ve just planted a new tree or have saplings around your property, one of the biggest threats to their healthy growth can be damage from wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and other foraging animals. Deer often use young tree trunks as rubbing posts for their antlers or browse new growth; rabbits and rodents can…
Is your once-lovely flower or herb garden bed lost under a jungle of tough grasses and assorted weeds? Don’t worry—you can bring it back to life! With some patience and a bit of hard work, you’ll have a thriving, weed-free space where your perennial flowers and herbs can flourish. In this article, we’ll guide you…
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is often overshadowed by more commonly grown orchard fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and plums. Yet, quince holds a special place in culinary traditions worldwide and offers a distinctive charm that sets it apart. If you’re looking for a way to diversify your orchard or your home garden, this fragrant, old-world fruit…
https://youtu.be/waMlPCOg_pE Book Recommendations Mentioned In The Video: The Art of Fermentation - https://amzn.to/4deU7Z5Nourishing Traditions - https://amzn.to/4dzqd1oThe Forager's Harvest - https://amzn.to/3yCDE1OThe Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook - https://amzn.to/4dyty0P
Seed viability tests are essential for any gardener who wants to ensure crop success. The viability of seeds determines their ability to germinate and grow into healthy plants. Planting non-viable seeds can result in wasted effort and resources. It's important to test the viability of seeds before planting them because depending on how they are…
There are many great seed companies you can use to get organic seeds for your garden. Here are a few of the companies that have risen to the top of my list over the years and the reasons why. First, What Makes A Good Seed Company For Organic Gardening? Recognizes The Importance Of Organic and…
If you're looking to create a sustainable garden that provides a continuous supply of fresh and nutritious produce, then a permaculture homestead garden might just be the answer. By implementing permaculture principles, you can achieve sustainable gardening success in your own backyard. Permaculture is a holistic approach to gardening and agriculture, focusing on the harmonious integration of landscape and…
In permaculture, cows and poultry can do so much more than provide milk, meat, and eggs; they can play an essential role in maintaining and nourishing the land. When done right and with careful planning, a small herd of cows in conjunction with various poultry can transform fields, clear overgrown areas, and boost soil fertility—all…
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, countless lives were impacted, homes destroyed, and communities tested. While disaster preparedness is often discussed in terms of stocking up on food and water, there are deeper lessons to be learned that go beyond the basics. These seven lessons are not just about survival, but about adopting a mindset…
The leaves are covering the homestead and as an act of good stewardship, you're wondering what's the best thing to do with them all. Have you ever made leaf mold (leaf mould for our non U.S. friends)? So what is leaf mold, and how do you make it, and use it? Leaf Mold or Mould…
Permaculture, a system of agricultural and social design centered on mimicking the patterns observed in natural ecosystems, has long embraced the concept of guild planting. At the heart of this method is the belief that plants, much like people, benefit from having the right companions. But what is a guild, and how can understanding them…
Hunting is a great way to fill the homestead freezer but how do you find places to hunt? Many modern homesteaders don't have a hundred acres of fields and woods, many are living out their homesteading dreams of self-sufficiency on urban city lots and suburban lots and because of that, they may be struggling to…
If you’re wondering about adding some poultry to your homestead, you might be thinking chickens or turkeys, but how about some ducks? Provided you have a plentiful supply of water for duck bathing, like a borehole, or small pond, ducks can fulfill many of the same roles as chickens, and in many ways, they are…
Growing healthy plants starts with healthy roots, and air pruning is a technique that can promote robust root development. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, air pruning can be a valuable practice to help you achieve your gardening goals. In this article, we will explore the benefits of air pruning, how it works,…
So, you’ve been thinking about building a survival homestead. Maybe you're tired of depending on grocery stores or dreaming of a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Or perhaps, like many, you’ve noticed the world’s unpredictability—natural disasters, pandemics, or economic uncertainties—and it’s made you wonder, “What if I could provide for myself?” Well, you’re not alone. More…
Gardening can sometimes be a little challenging. Especially when dealing with things like early and late frosts, windy conditions, scorching temperatures, and pest pressure. The good news is that there is something that can help you with all of those things, Row Cover! What Is A Row Cover? Also known as Garden Fabrics, the floating…
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! 🌱 Ever noticed that sometimes, no matter how much love and care you give, certain plants just don't thrive next to each other? Well, there might be a sneaky culprit at play called allelopathy. Let's dive into what allelopathy is all about, how it might be affecting your beloved garden,…
Water management is an essential practice for gardeners, especially in regions prone to drought or periodic heavy rainfall. One of the most effective methods to manage rainwater sustainably is by using contour swales and berms. These simple, yet highly functional landscaping features can dramatically improve water retention, reduce erosion, and increase the resilience of your…
A cattle panel greenhouse is one of the most affordable and effective ways to extend your growing season while protecting crops from the elements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a cattle panel greenhouse using cattle panels and pallets, or, if you prefer, just cattle panels alone. https://youtu.be/3eiizMNiLnI In the above…
A root cellar is an age-old method of storing fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods, allowing homesteaders and gardeners to enjoy their harvest year-round. Root cellars maintain a stable temperature and humidity, creating ideal conditions for preserving the freshness and quality of your produce. Building a root cellar does not have to be expensive or…
